Obituary: Charles A. Johnson - Class of 1950

MADISON - A memorial service will be held at the MADISON ELKS LODGE, 711 Jenifer St. on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. for Charles A. Johnson, 77, formerly of Madison who passed away in Florida in March 2010.

He retired from the State of Wisconsin Dept. of Administration Purchasing unit in 1990. Charlie played guitar in several bands in the Madison area for many years and was a lifetime member of the Madison Elks Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly; two nieces; and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Jennie Johnson; a brother, Bob Johnson; and a daughter, Diane.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 25, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Note: Charles A. Johnson's class year is based on information in the 1950 Tychoberahn where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Norbert G. Schachte - Class of 1952

MADISON -Norbert G. Schachte, a lifelong Madison resident, passed away at home on Thursday, July 8, 2010, from complications related to a 30 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Born in Madison on July 9, 1934, he was the second son of Norbert I. Schachte and Lillian M. (Kurt) Schachte. Norb attended St. James Grade School and Madison Central High School where he won six varsity letters playing football, basketball, and baseball. Upon graduating in 1952, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, earning three varsity baseball letters and playing varsity basketball for three semesters, before earning a bachelor's degree in economics in 1957. He also served eight years in the Naval Reserve, honorably discharged in 1962. Following college, Norb began his career as a life underwriter with Indianapolis Life, John Lyons Agency followed by many years with the Kenneth P. Urso Agency. He earned his Chartered Life Underwriter designation in 1966, and went on to serve as general agent with Northwestern National Life followed by many years with Lafayette Life. In 1986, he earned the Chartered Financial Consultant designation, and expanded his business in 1996 to include financial planning, serving as President of Diversified Insurance Associates. He served as the president of the Madison Association of Life Underwriters (1983-84) earning their Distinguished Service Award in 1992, was a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and served on the Lafayette Life President's Advisory Council before cutting back in 2002.

Norb was also very active in his faith, serving as a Eucharistic minister as well as volunteering his time at St. Thomas Aquinas for many years. He also remained very active long beyond his high school and college athletic years, playing baseball with Caves Buick, Mallatt's, Millers, and the Madison Lakers, basketball with Tipler Transfer and Corcoran's, and fastpitch softball with city semifinalist Equitable Life. His greatest contribution, though, was to kids and youth sports programs throughout the Madison area. While in college, he spent his summers umpiring kid's rec baseball around the city, and as his own family grew, spent countless hours organizing and coaching. Norb worked for many years as a WIAA football official, was a co-founder of the Madison Ice Mice program, organized and coached Little League baseball in Monona and Middleton, was a founding member and coach at the Monona Hockey Association, coached West Flyers Hockey, helped to organize and coach Middleton Youth Soccer teams in the formative years, and was a past president of the Badger Dolphins Dive Team. He was also an avid fisherman in the years before his illness and his family looked forward to the fishing vacations at Coach Dynie Mansfield's cottages up north every summer.

Norb is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 54 years, Charlotte (Coffey) Schachte; sons Dan (Kim) and Dave (Gina); daughters, Ann and Kay; as well as grandchildren, Danny, Ian, Lauren, Maddy, Sarah, Elizabeth, Matthew, Samuel, and David. He is also survived by a brother, John Schachte of Cinncinati, Ohio; and sisters, Mary Schachte and Geraldine (Ray) Denson, both of Madison; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Our family would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Charles Weber and his colleagues, the nurses and respiratory therapists at Meriter Hospital, and the staff at Meriter Home Health for the kind, compassionate care given to Norb over the last few years of his life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, with Monsignor Donn Heiar presiding. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, July 12, 2010, at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton and also on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Finally, the family would request in lieu of flowers, donations in Norb's memory to the Wisconsin Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers; 7435 University Ave.; (608) 831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 11, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: R. Bruce Orchard - Class of 1966

MADISON - R. Bruce Orchard, age 62, died on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. He had suffered from leukemia for a year and a half. Bruce was a lifelong resident of Madison. He graduated from Central - University High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with bachelor's and master's degrees and advanced study in mathematics and computer science.

Bruce was employed at the Waisman Center for 15 years as a computer consultant, and then served as a senior consultant in computer information processing for the University of Wisconsin College of Engineering. On April 29, 2009, Bruce received a certificate of recognition on the occasion of receiving emeritus status following "a record of distinguished service" to the University.

Bruce was an active member of the University United Methodist Church throughout his life, where he served in many capacities.

During his life, Bruce's interests centered around the Madison lakes. This included swimming and sailing as a member of the Hoofers Club. Bruce was a longtime supporter of the University of Wisconsin Hockey Team. Bruce loved skating and he participated in pickup hockey games on Sunday evenings at the University of Wisconsin athletic shell. Bruce loved the outdoors and had always looked forward to his annual vacations at Pickerel Lake near St. Germain. Bruce also enjoyed time spent at the family farm near Muscoda which has been in the family since 1854. Most of all, Bruce cherished his family, he enjoyed interacting with even the youngest children.

Bruce is survived by his mother, Lorraine; sisters, Jean Van Pelt (Mark) of Duluth, Minn., Ann Orchard (Robert Keller) of Edina, Minn., as well as their children: John Van Pelt (fiancee, Cally Bartley) of Denver, Colo.; Stephen Van Pelt, Ithaca, N.Y.; Bryan Keller (Alice Moore) of Stamford, Conn., and their son, Jasper; Anne Keller Tanser (James) of Reigate, Surrey, United Kingdom.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth M. Orchard.

A memorial service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road on Saturday, July 3, 2010, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Frank Gaylord will preside. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. A private family burial of cremains will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery.

The family expresses gratitude to Dr. Mark Juckett and the staff at Meriter and the University of Wisconsin Hospitals for their compassionate and competent care.

The family suggests memorials in Bruce's honor for the Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center at 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705; the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at 1311 Manaroneck Ave., White Plains, N.Y.; the University United Methodist Church at 1127 University Ave., Madison, WI 53715; or an organization of the donor's choice.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service; 3610 Speedway Road;(608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 1, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Katherine M. (Grapsas) Hogan - Class of 1960

MADISON - Katherine M. Hogan, age 67, passed away on Tuesday June 29, 2010.

Kathy was born in Madison on Oct. 1, 1942, to Niki and Constantine Grapsas. A graduate from Central High School and Edgewood College, she taught elementary school primarily in the Madison area for more than 30 years. Kathy took 10 years off from her teaching career to raise her young children. As a Sunday school teacher, and choir, church board and Philoptochos participant, Kathy was a lifelong active member of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.

Rooted in the Greek community, Kathy also embraced virtually everyone she met with her bright, warm smile. She enjoyed meeting friends for coffee or lunch and hosting holiday gathering. She was open to anyone who needed a friend and a great advisor and confidant. Always a giving person, Kathy was generous in her support of many charitable organizations. Kathy was an avid traveler, intent on learning about the world in which she lived.

She is survived by her daughter, Eleana; her son, Conn; and her brother, Nick (Cathy) Grapsas. She is further survived by her niece, Nika (Scott) Spevacek; nephew, Costa (Vanessa) Grapsas; and by many cousins and friends. She will also be greatly missed by her little dog, Smokey.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2010, from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., with Trisagion Service at 6:30 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 2, 2010, at 10 a.m. at ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 11 N. Seventh St., Madison. Father Michael Vanderhoef will officiate.

The family deeply thanks the UW Cancer Center and Hospice for their exceptional care, support and guidance. Memorials may be made to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service; 3610 Speedway Road; (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 1, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Note: Katherine Grapsas Hogan's class year is based on information in the 1960 Tychoberahn yearbook where she is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Anita F. (Faust) Eley

MADISON - Anita F. Faust) Eley, age 94, died on Saturday, June 26, 2010.

She was born on October 22, 1915, in Madison, to Arnold and Fanny (Petersile) Faust. Anita graduated from Central High School in Madison. She was united in marriage to Louis S. Eley on June 29, 1940. Anita was a charter member of St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran Church. She enjoyed quilting with "RSVP" friends, playing euchre with Point Bluff friends, and listening to jazz music.

Anita is survived by her sons, Dennis (Sharon) Eley and Richard (Susan) Eley; grandchildren, Deana Foster, Andrew (Jennifer) Eley, Melissa (Rene) Soto, Ryan Eley, Christopher Pauley and Jessica Pauley; great-grandchildren, Lily Foster, Taylor Foster, Madelyn Eley, Lydia Eley, Katy Soto and Mason Soto; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis; and brothers, Neil Faust and Ruben Faust.

A memorial service will be held at ST. STEPHEN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Road, Monona, at 11 a.m., on Friday, July 2, 2010, with the Rev. Nick Utphall and the Rev. Tim Hansen presiding. Inurnment will follow in Blooming Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

The family would like to thank Anita's close friends of the McFarland Cottages where she cherished those friendships, playing bingo and euchre, and enjoying their company. The family would also like to thank Bob and Linda Liddicoat of the Bluff Point Adult Family Home for their generous love and support in helping make Anita's life enjoyable. Anita was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be deeply missed.

Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers; 5203 Monona Drive;(608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 29, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Richard "Dick" Cooley - Class of 1949

MCFARLAND - Richard "Dick" Cooley, age 79, passed away at his home in Madison, surrounded by family and friends, on Friday, May 14, 2010. He was born in Fennimore, on March 28, 1931, a son of the late Lewis and Alberta (Bowes) Cooley. Dick graduated from Central High School in 1949, and served his country in the Marine Corps from January 1951 to December 1952. On June 37, 1951, he was united in marriage to Patricia C. Bohne. Dick worked in the floor covering business all of his life, retiring from Serginians Floor Covering in Madison. He and his family were long time residents of McFarland. Dick spent his summers shooting trap with friends and family. He loved to hunt and fish, and enjoyed snowmobiling and riding his ATV in the woods at Tomahawk, with his sister-in-law, and best friend, Jackie Bohne. Both avid Packers fans, they attended many Badgers football and hockey games. He had great times playing cards with family and friends. Dick was a hardworking self professed 'scullery maid' in the kitchen of the VFW Hall in Cottage Grove. He was a well loved grandpa to all of his grandchildren. According to his family and friends, he made the absolute best grilled garlic chicken. Dick was an honorary member of VFW Post 7591, a member of American Legion Post 0534 for 18 years, and a member of Hope Rod and Gun Club. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at noon at the OLSON-HOLZHUTER-CRESS FUNERAL HOME in McFarland, with the Rev. John Ruppenthal of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. The service will begin with a Pass and Review by American Legion and VFW members and auxiliaries. Following the service, Military Rites will be performed by the Madison Area Firing Squad at the McFarland American Legion Hall, followed by a luncheon. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 a.m. until noon. Special thanks to the physicians and staff of HospiceCare Inc of Madison, and the Carbone Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either of those organizations. Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 5801 Highway 51 McFarland (608) 838-0655

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 17, 2020 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Obituary: Alice (Bailey) Oelhafen - Class of 1941

MADISON - Alice Oelhafen passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. She left this planet to join her Heavenly Father, Precious Jesus and Our Divine Spirit, where she will also have a grand reunion with her loved ones who preceded her in death, especially her beloved husband, Earl. Alice led a very busy, happy life, often commenting that her Heavenly Father had been very good to her and she was most grateful.

Her life began in Madison, on Dec. 16, 1923, the fourth of five children born to her parents, John and Mabel Bailey, who owned and operated a successful family business, which became a family undertaking during the children's formative years. Upon graduating from Central High School, Alice later enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating with a degree in institutional corrections. For six years, she was a probation and parole agent in Milwaukee, leaving to return to UW-Madison to earn a master's degree in social work.

Following graduation, Alice married Earl L. Oelhafen in a garden wedding at Lake Windsor, living in Madison for two years. From there, they moved to Rockford, Ill., for new employment. After graduation, Alice held various social work positions, retiring in 1984 from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. For the next two years, she started two private businesses, as a partner in both ventures.

Alice and Earl loved their Rockford home, enjoying many friendships there. They also made many wonderful friendships in Hawaii, where they wintered/vacationed for many years. They especially liked their beloved Maui. The couple was very grateful for their 41 years of marriage, traveling far and wide.

Alice enjoyed reading, playing bridge, and church projects. She was so saddened by the death of her dear husband on Nov. 26, 2003, after a several-month illness. They looked forward to being reunited with their loved ones in God's divine circle of love, at God's appointed time.

Alice is survived by her sister-in-law, Sylvia Bailey; and nieces and nephews, Arden Sandow of Madison, Arlyn Sandow of Madison, Patricia Huff of Minnesota, Christine Cole of Pennsylvania, Robert (Kathy) Huff of Madison, William (Kathleen) Voeck of Colorado, Richard (Kathy) Voeck of Colorado, John (Julie) Bailey of Madison, Jerry (Ann) Bailey of Cross Plains, Judy (Jim) Vallier of New Mexico, and Karen (Kevin) Anderson of Iowa.

She was also preceded in death by her four siblings, Janet Huff, Cele (James) Grady, John L. Bailey and Dorothy (Harvey) Cole.

Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 17, 2010. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Rockford, Ill.; or Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 16, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Note: Alice Bailey's class year is based on a list of Central High School graduates published in The Capital Times on June 13, 1941.

Obituary: Emery Sylvester

MIDDLETON - Emery Sylvester passed away peacefully five days after his 99th birthday. He was born April 21, 1911, in St. Joseph, Mo., son of Alfred M. and Effie Schroeder Sylvester. He graduated from Central High School in Madison, served in the CCCs and then worked for 41 years for the University of Wisconsin physics department. Emery married Edith Teams in North Carolina on June 18, 1941, and was the devoted father of Janet Sylvester Ahlquist, Carol (Dick) Horan, Mark (Janet Falkner) Sylvester and Susanne (Michael) Stanecki. After retiring in 1976, Emery enjoyed playing golf, often "shooting his age" into his late 80s. He played regularly to age 95. He bowled for many years with the University Faculty League. He was an avid Badgers football and basketball fan, Packers and Brewers fan. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, photography and little children. He had an uncanny ability to find four-leaf clovers in almost any patch of clover. Emery was a member of Divine Savior United Methodist Church. In addition to his loving wife of almost 69 years, and children, he is survived by six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ellen and Jim Critton of Madison; sister, Violet McLane in Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harold; sister, Alice (Dr. William) Marquis; and an infant granddaughter, Laurie Horan. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Friday, April 30, 2010, at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. led by Pastor Chris Bethke. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park in Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials to HospiceCare of Madison for their compassionate service to his family would be appreciated. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 28, 2010

Obituary: Barbara Ellen McConnell - Class of 1967

MADISON - Barbara Ellen McConnell, age 62, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, April 17, 2010. She was born in Madison on Dec. 15, 1947. She graduated from Central High School in 1967. Barbara worked in the kitchen at Sellery Hall and Gordon Commons at the University of Wisconsin, then went to work at Meriter Hospital kitchen for 39 years. She also did volunteer work with many organizations throughout the community. Barb is survived by an uncle, Fred (Mary) McConnell; brother, Kenneth McConnell; sisters, Judith Goodnature and Donna (Gary) Hall; and many nieces and nephews. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Olive (Emery) McConnell; sister, Ruth (Harold) Moore; and brother, Ralph (Nieta) McConnell. A Memorial Service will be held at VFW Post No. 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, on Saturday, April 24, 2010, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2418 N. Sherman Ave.(608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 21, 2010

Obituary: Rollo Peter Vallem - Class of 1954

MADISON - Rollo Peter Vallem, Age 73, Of Madison, Passed Away Unexpectedly At Home On Wednesday, April 14, 2010. He Was The Son Of Norma (emmons) And Pete Vallem. A Lifelong Resident Of Madison, He Was A Proud Member Of The Central High School Class Of 1954. He Served In The United States Army Prior To Graduating From The University Of Wisconsin Madison In 1967. After Graduation, He Joined The Marketing Department Of The Wisconsin Telephone Company, Retiring In 1992. For Many Years He Was A Friendly And Familiar Sight On The Corner Of Midvale And Mineral Point Road As A School Crossing Guard. He Was A Lover Of Sports And He Made It Clear To All That Knew Him That He Was A Devoted Cubs Fan. In High School, He Excelled At Golf And Basketball. He Was A Member Of The Southern Wisconsin Officials Association And Officiated Basketball At The High School, College, And Big Ten Levels. After Retiring From Officiating, He Continued As An Observer At The Wisconsin Games For The Big Ten. He Was A Member Of The Brule River Sportsmen's Club, The Masons And The Zor Shrine. He Served On The Zor Camel Patrol At Vilas Park Zoo. He Was Also A Regular Member Of The Parman's Coffee Gang. He Is Survived By His Wife Lori; Daughter, Lisa Of Madison; Sons, Peter (tami) Of Flagstaff, Ariz., And Mark (whitney) Of Colorado Springs, Colo.; And Son-in-law, Jeff Of Madison. He Is Further Survived By His Sisters, Mary Argue Of Hartland, Joann Vallem Of Madison; And Many Nieces And Nephews. The Light Of His Life Were His Nine Grandchildren, Julia, Maria, Chris, Joe, Brendan, Sophia, Molleigh, Abby And Nathan. There Will Be A Gathering Of Family And Friends On Sunday, April 18, 2010, Between 3 P.m. And 5 P.m. At The Avenue Bar, 1128 E. Washington Avenue To Share Memories. In Lieu Of Flowers, Memorials May Be Directed To The Friends Of Mscr- Rollo Vallem Memorial Basketball Scholarships C/o Mscr 3802 Regent Street, Madison Wi 53705.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 18, 2010

Note: Capitalization is per the original, published copy.